COMMENTARY: Ask What Can You Do for Your Country

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy, invoked my generation to “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

We are fortunate to live in a free and democratic society where millions of civilians and soldiers serve their fellow citizens. Last Friday was Veteran’s Day and the weekend provided the nation a special opportunity to honor and express gratitude to the millions of living military veterans and thousands of active duty men and women who have or are serving our country.

In 1995, an Air Force pilot named Scott O’Grady was shot down during a flight mission over Bosnia. He was rescued by helicopter after surviving six days being hunted by hostile ground troops. Though given a hero’s welcome he insisted he was no hero and that he wanted no honors.

In explaining his position rejecting special recognition he said [It] “is your depth of commitment, your quality of service, the product of your devotion — these are the things that count in a life. When you give purely, the honor comes in the giving, and that is honor enough.”

Other great men have told us of the true rewards of service. Albert Schweitzer said, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Walter Reuther, a leader of the labor movement echoed the sentiment this way: “There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well.”

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that Character Counts!

This excerpt from a poem called “You Don’t Know Me,” by Linda Ellis, provides a perspective and a tribute that transcends politics. (She also wrote the classic poem “The Dash.”)

Although you don’t know me, every day, I think of you. I worry about your safety and I pray for you, too.

Although you don’t know me, please know that I care. Though strangers, we are family in the beliefs that we share.

Although you don’t know me, I know the work that you’re doing and the pride in our country that you are renewing.

Although you don’t know me, you have my utmost respect for it’s the future of my children you are there to protect.

Although you don’t know me and we’ve never met, the gift that you’re giving is one I’ll never forget.

Although you don’t know me, my heart beats with hesitation, when I hear you’re being deployed to an “undisclosed location.”

Although you don’t know me, I know the fears you must hide for a soldier in uniform is bravery, exemplified.

Although you don’t know me, please know by this poem that I’ll pray for you faithfully until your safe return home.

Although you don’t know me, you’ve made me one proud civilian, but you need to know today that I’m only one in a million!

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that Character Counts!

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*I’ve selected a few videos that convey on a deeper level than words the range of emotions – pride, patriotism, fear, boredom, pain and grief – associated with military service. I hope you will take a few minutes to view them as your tribute to the men and women we owe so much. Watching them all will take less than 20 minutes.

Back home now I know you’re probably sleepin’ Over here it’s the middle of the day I finally found the time to write a letter Sittin’ here a half a world away I heard about all them folks protestin’ As if I really want this war But that don’t stop me from believin’ There’s just some things worth fightin’ for

CHORUS

And if I die before you wake, I pray the world will take A good look at what God’s given us That we could only understand, everything is in his hands All we need is a little faith and trust I want you to know it ain’t too high a price to pay If I die before you wake Tell everybody that I miss them And I can’t wait to get back home But until then I’ll serve my country And be proud to wear this uniform

So far away This time, this place Misused, mistakes Too long, too late Who was I to make you wait?

Just one chance, just one breath Just in case there’s just one left Cause you know You know, you know That I love you, I have loved you all along And I miss you, been far away for far too long I keep dreaming you’ll be with me and you’ll never go Stop breathing if I don’t see you anymore

One my knees, I’ll ask Last chance for one last dance Cause with you I’d withstand All of it to hold your hand I’d give it all, I’d give for us Give anything but I won’t give up Cause you know You know, you know That I love you, I have loved you all along And I miss you, been far away for far too long I keep dreaming you’ll be with me and you’ll never go Stop breathing if I don’t see you anymore So far away, been far away for far too long So far away, been far away for far too long But you know You know, you know I wanted you to stay

Cause I needed I need to hear you say I love you, I have loved you all along And I forgive you for being away for far too long So keep breathing ’cause I’m not leaving you anymore Believe it, hold on to me, never let me go Keep breathing ’cause I?m not leaving you anymore Believe it, hold on to me, never let me go Hold on to me, never let me go Hold on to me, never let me go

“When I’m Gone” There’s another world inside of me That you may never see There’re secrets in this life That I can’t hide

Somewhere in this darkness There’s a light that I can’t find Maybe it’s too far away… Or maybe I’m just blind… Or maybe I’m just blind…

[Chorus]

So hold me when I’m here Right me when I’m wrong Hold me when I’m scared And love me when I’m gone

Everything I am And everything in me Wants to be the one You wanted me to be

I’ll never let you down Even if I could I’d give up everything If only for your good

So hold me when I’m here Right me when I’m wrong You can hold me when I’m scared You won’t always be there So love me when I’m gone Love me when I’m gone…

When your education X-Ray Cannot see under my skin I won’t tell you a damn thing That I could not tell my friends Roaming through this darkness I’m alive but I’m alone Part of me is fighting this But part of me is gone

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The mission of the Josephson Institute is, “To improve the ethical quality of society by changing personal and organizational decision making and behavior.” In this space Michael Josephson and the Center for Policing Ethics faculty will provide expert insights and resources to promote professional development and leadership effectiveness of executives and managers and create an ethical business culture which enhances morale, growth, and profitability while reducing risks of costly and reputation damaging lawsuits and scandals.